HISTORY OF ATLANTIC CITY

Atlantic City began as a small fishing village on the north end of Absecon Island. Incorporation came in 1854 with the arrival of the first railroad the same year. By 1880 there were two rail lines bringing in many passengers to the now-resort city.

Atlantic City has been one of America's favorite resort destinations for over a century - and with good reason! This beautiful beach community offers a variety of entertainment, no more than a half-day's drive from New York, Philadelphia, Boston or Washington D.C.

Atlantic City retains much of its seafaring heritage, such as the historic Absecon Lighthouse. Built in 1854, the lighthouse still stands today, the tallest in New Jersey. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the coastline, or visit the attached museum to learn more about the region's maritime history.

Shortly after Atlantic City was connected to the rest of the state by road and railway, summer visitors began flocking to its sandy shoreline for fun in the sun. The boardwalk came into existence when 8 foot wide planks were laid right on the sand in 1870 to keep the hotel lobbies and railroads sand-free. It has become one of Atlantic City's trademarks. It is over four miles long (6 if you count where it continue into the next town) and 60 feet wide. It is no longer just planks, but a steel and concrete structure surfaced with planks in a diagonal pattern. Another innocation from the Atlantic City Boardwalk area is the amusement pier which was first built in 1882. Atlantic City has become known as "The Queen of Resorts. Hotels, restaurants and shops line one side, amusement piers the other. Favorites include Steel Pier, one of the original family amusement centers, and Morey's Piers & Raging Waters, which feature beachfront water parks and seven world-class roller coasters.

In addition to thrill rides, the piers have hosted a variety of entertainment offerings over the years, from marathon dance contests and sideshow acts to concerts from today's popular artists. One Atlantic City institution that began on the boardwalk over 80 years ago and continues to this day is the Miss America Pageant. The competition is the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women, and has become synonymous with Atlantic City for the millions who watch it each year on television.

As a way to ensure continuing tourism during the chilly winter months, the Casino Gambling Referendum was passed 1976, resulting in yet another economic shift for the ocean front community. Atlantic City now rivals Las Vegas for the title 'Gaming Capital of America,' and is home to several top casinos including Caesars Atlantic City Hotel and Casino. New York real estate magnate Donald Trump has taken a special shine to the city and built not one, but three casinos - so far!

Atlantic City has been pleasing crowds for over 100 years, and with annual visitors numbering approximately 33 million, its popularity shows no sign of slowing with age. Summer or winter, for a business trip or family vacation, a trip to Atlantic City is always a good bet.

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